Race favorite Jungle Pocket topped the all-male field of 18 and fellow "super trio" horses Dantsu Flame and Kurofune to capture the 68th running of the Japan Derby Sunday at Tokyo Racecourse.
Making up for his disappointing fourth-place showing in Japan's triple crown first leg, the Satsukisho, on April 15, the Tony Bin-sired Jungle Pocket easily beat third pick Dantsu Flame to the finish line by a length and a half. Dancing Colors crossed the wire in third place 21/2 lengths later. Kent Desormeaux brought sixth pick Born King home in fourth place.
Jungle Pocket, though highly agitated before entering the gate, broke smoothly and took up a position midfield, with Dantsu Flame directly ahead and Kurofune to the rear. Jockey Koichi Tsunoda waited patiently for the turn.